Why should you use chocks when parking a trailer without spring brakes?

Using chocks when parking a trailer without spring brakes is essential primarily to prevent the trailer from rolling. Spring brakes are designed to automatically engage when the air pressure in the braking system drops, providing an additional safety measure. However, without these brakes, the trailer relies on other methods for securing it in place.

Chocks are physical barriers placed under the trailer’s wheels. Their primary function is to create a wedge that prevents movement, thereby safeguarding against accidental rolling due to gravity or other forces. This is particularly important on inclines or uneven surfaces where the risk of the trailer rolling away increases significantly.

While ensuring the trailer is secured and avoiding tire damage can also be potential benefits of using chocks, the most direct and critical reason is to prevent the trailer from rolling. This practice is a fundamental safety procedure in the transport industry to protect both the equipment and individuals around it.